Month: April 2019

April 26th, 2019 – National Pretzel day for our friends in the United States. It seems only fair that we inform our audience on this great celebration, how it is celebrated and why it exists.

So kick your feet up, grab a cup of coffee and pretzel

A brief history of the Pretzel

Nobody knows the exact date of invention or where the pretzel came from. That’s not to say we don’t have our hunches. A lot of resources point to a rather religious background – European Monks.

It is said that the Pretzel began its journey with thanks to European Monks and a need to rid of excess dough. With the need to rid of the dough, the first pretzel was born. They then continued and became almost a reward for young children which learnt their prayers. Perhaps the reason we love them so much is because the sweet, warm, soft dough has been stitched into our DNA?

A reason for why this European Monk theory is very realistic is due to the shape and design of pretzels. If you study them closely, you will notice the following: They look as if they are a pair of hands praying. Some say that the 3 holes created by the twists and turns of the dough are even there to represent The Holy Trinity.

So then, throughout time, as more and more knots were tied, word of the pretzel spread and became ever more present in everyday life. Fast forward to modern day and everywhere you look, regardless of your location, be it Europe of the United States, you can bet your money that you’re not far away from a pretzel.

Fun Facts

1993! The first pretzel museum opened! A 7-minute film, demonstration of championship hand twisting at 57 per minute and tasting were highlights.

April 26th, 2003 – National Pretzel day was declared by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. A day in which the importance and history of the pretzel is celebrated all across the U.S!

In fact, Pretzels have become so popular that Americans eat around two pounds of pretzels each year, but Philadelphians eat an average of twelve pounds per year. That’s a lot of pretzel.

Pretzels come in all shapes and sizes, we love them all equally…

They started life as a large, soft and warm twisted dough treat for young children. Now there are a huge number of pretzel variety and an even larger list of recipes to be found.

However you enjoy your pretzels – the American Grocery Store has you covered…except from fresh…we’re not bakers!

Flipz are best known for their sweet treat pretzels. They come in a great range of flavours, including; ‘Milk Chocolate’, ‘White Fudge’, ‘Dark Chocolate’ and even ‘Birthday Cake’.

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Ever Tried Snyders Pretzels before? They come in 2 styles – crushed pieces or crisps! All flavours are savoury and come in a variety of flavours, including; Honey Mustard & Onion and Jalapeno!

Take a look at our range of Pretzels!

Game of Thrones has returned for their 8th and final season. A series we all looked forward to and a show we never wish to end. But, as the saying goes – ‘All good things must come to an end’.

We’ve seen unlikely heroes rise to the occasion, and characters that you may not have liked to begin, form a special place in your heart. It’s very rare for a show to be able to capture fans from all over the world, and have everyone so heavily invested. As the curtain draws close, we welcome all the great and creative collaborations from Game of Thrones and brands internationally.

Creative Collaborations.

In appreciation of Game of Thrones, and the following it has gained, brands across the world pay homage to the show. We have listed our favourite collaborations so far.

Winter is coming! So too are Game of Thrones themed Oreos.

Oreo, you have done it again. Time after time we are gifted glorious oreos in limited edition flavours and shapes. What a treat this collaboration is!

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Oreo, partnering up with the guys and girls at HBO, have produced yet another masterpiece. Everything about these look great! From the packaging to the cookie design – amazing!

These will be available as of the 1st May from the American Grocery Store. Keep an eye out for the official sale release!

Whilst you’re here – why not check out our available Oreo options.

National Liquorice Day was created in 2004. A day in which the wonders of liquorice in all shapes and sizes are celebrated. We underwent some intensive research on this topic and were amazed to find out that how liquorice has evolved, and just how many of our confectionery items are liquorice based.

We have decided to break down our research and put it to paper…or computer? Here are our favourite facts about liquorice that you may not know!

Are you aware?

1.

Records show that in England, liquorice dates back to the 16th century! We believe the reason for this is that Dominican monks brought liquorice to Britain and became established around Pontefract in Yorkshire. If this holds true, us fans, are all very thankful for the gift.

2.

From Ancient Greece to Rome, to China and more, liquorice has been used for its medicinal powers. Even today we are still using this in our medicine and treatments. So not only is liquorice extremely tasty, it’s also got some healing powers! Continue reading to view some medicinal benefits that hold true to this day!

3.

Napoleon Bonaparte found liquorice soothing during battle; he allegedly ate so much of it that his teeth turned black. That’s a lot of liquorice…Apparently liquorice has been used in battle when Alexander the Great would lead his troops. He used it as a solution for whenever there was a shortage of water!

4.

The ancient Egyptians used it as a pharmaceutical; supplies were even found in King Tut’s tomb. Egyptian hieroglyphics record the use of liquorice as a popular beverage among the men of the time. Herbal Tea, anyone?

5.

The liquorice plant, a shrub, is in fact officially a weed. It is about four feet tall with purplish flowers and grows in hot, dry places. Keep your eyes open people, you can even try chewing the bark should you wish!

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Read this if you want to improve your health!

Health is a topic which will always bring in fads. ‘Eat this and you’ll gain six pack abs’…It’s inevitable. However, a ‘fad’ will always come and will always go. We have access to all the knowledge we need and it’s so much easier to disprove things.

A constant, however, has been herbal ingredients and their medicinal benefits. Liquorice is one of these ingredients. Its agreeable throughout the medical and fitness industries as having a beneficial value. This is not a post from us saying these benefits will show for yourself…It’s more an educational statement from history and our findings on the internet.

Dating back to 360 A.D. There was talk of liquorice helping eye ailments, skin diseases, coughs, and loss of hair. Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar are on record as endorsing the benefits of eating licorice. Since the 14th century, it has been used to soothe coughs, colds, and bronchitis.

Here are a benefits that have been researched and studied that stem from the use of liquorice:

Aphthous Ulcers or Canker Sores

Liver Protection

Stomach Disorders

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Neurological Disorders

Should you wish to read more on this subject – please follow this link:
https://www.organicfacts.net/licorice.html

Celebrate National Liquorice Day with us!

We have an abundance of liquorice and liquorice sweets for our customers to feast on! Take a look below at some of our favourites.

Mike and Ike

Hot Tamales

Twizzlers

Red Vines

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